5 Types of Rabbits in Montana
Yes, Montana is home to several rabbit and hare species. The most common are Eastern Cottontail, Mountain Cottontail, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, and White-tailed Jackrabbit. Focus on habitat and ear size for quick identification. For a complete species list, see our rabbit species overview at /animals/rabbit.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
- 6
- species recorded
- June, July, May
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
5 types of rabbits recorded in Montana
5 rabbit species have a verified observation record in Montana across the rabbit and hare family (Leporidae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 5 shown is recorded as introduced to Montana rather than native.
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5
Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,384 verified observations on iNaturalist of rabbit have been recorded in Montana, most often in June, July, May.
When rabbit are recorded in Montana
Yes, Montana is home to several rabbit and hare species. The most common are Eastern Cottontail, Mountain Cottontail, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, and White-tailed Jackrabbit. Focus on habitat and ear size for quick identification. For a complete species list, see our rabbit species overview at /animals/rabbit.
1. What Are the Most Common Rabbit Species in Montana?
Montana has two main groups: cottontails and jackrabbits (hares). Eastern Cottontails are widespread in lower elevations, while Mountain Cottontails occupy higher altitudes. Black-tailed Jackrabbits dominate the eastern plains, and White-tailed Jackrabbits are found in the western mountains. For more on habitat, visit the Montana wildlife guide at /wildlife/montana.
See ourRabbits guidefor the next step.
In Montana, rabbits sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How Can You Tell Cottontails Apart from Jackrabbits?
Ear length is the simplest field mark. Jackrabbits have very long ears (6-7 inches) that stand straight, while cottontail ears are shorter and rounded. Jackrabbits are larger with longer legs and a bounding run. Cottontails have a white fluffy tail that shows when they flee. See our types guide at /wildlife/montana/rabbit/types for more detail.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
3. Where and When Are Each Type Most Likely to Be Seen?
Eastern Cottontails are active at dawn and dusk in brushy fields and suburban edges. Mountain Cottontails prefer sagebrush and open conifer forests above 5,000 feet. Black-tailed Jackrabbits are often seen during the day on shortgrass prairies. White-tailed Jackrabbits use alpine meadows in summer and move lower in winter.
See ourRabbits typesfor the next step.
4. What Key Features Help Identify Each Rabbit in the Field?
Focus on tail color: Eastern Cottontail has a bright white cottony tail; Mountain Cottontail has a brownish tail. Jackrabbits have a black stripe on the tail (Black-tailed) or all white tail (White-tailed). Also note ear tips: Black-tailed Jackrabbits have black ear tips. Cottontails have smaller, rounded ears.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What Does the Eastern Cottontail Look Like?
Medium-sized (14-17 inches), reddish-brown upperparts, white belly, and a brilliant white tail. Ears are short and rounded with no black tips. It darts into dense cover when threatened. Look for them in riparian areas and overgrown fields. For more on similar species, check the rabbit hub at /animals/rabbit.
6. Where to Spot Montana Rabbits
For Eastern Cottontails, try the Missouri River breaks. Mountain Cottontails are common in the Bitterroot Valley. Black-tailed Jackrabbits are abundant near Miles City. White-tailed Jackrabbits can be seen in Glacier National Park. Use this tool to plan your trip:
7. Easy Street Markets Rabbit Gear and Apparel
After a day of rabbit spotting, carry the experience home with rabbit-themed gear from Easy Street Markets. These make great conversation starters and support wildlife awareness.
Rabbit Tote Bag
A whimsical tote perfect for carrying field guides or market finds. Durable and fun.Check Price and Availability
Vintage Rabbit Art 90s Oversize Graphic Tee
This retro rabbit shirt is soft and aesthetic. Ideal for casual wear or gift giving.Check Price and Availability
Funny I Really Like Rabbits T-Shirt
A casual tee that says it all. Great for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
Browse more wildlife shirts at /t-shirts.
See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
8. Frequently Asked Questions about Montana Rabbits
**Are there any endangered rabbits in Montana?** No, but the White-tailed Jackrabbit is a species of concern in some areas due to habitat loss. **Do rabbits in Montana change color in winter?** Only the White-tailed Jackrabbit molts to white in winter; others stay brown. **Can I find the Pygmy Rabbit in Montana?** The Pygmy Rabbit is present in limited areas of southwest Montana, mainly in sagebrush habitats. **What's the best time of day to see rabbits?** Dawn and dusk are best for cottontails; jackrabbits can be more active during the day, especially in cooler weather.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What Are the Most Common Rabbit Species in Montana?+
Montana has two main groups: cottontails and jackrabbits (hares). Eastern Cottontails are widespread in lower elevations, while Mountain Cottontails occupy higher altitudes. Black-tailed Jackrabbits dominate the eastern plains, and White-tailed Jackrabbits are found in the western mountains. For more on habitat, visit the Montana wildlife guide at /wildlife/montana. See ourRabbits guidefor the next step. In Montana, rabbits sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How Can You Tell Cottontails Apart from Jackrabbits?+
Ear length is the simplest field mark. Jackrabbits have very long ears (6-7 inches) that stand straight, while cottontail ears are shorter and rounded. Jackrabbits are larger with longer legs and a bounding run. Cottontails have a white fluffy tail that shows when they flee. See our types guide at /wildlife/montana/rabbit/types for more detail. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
3. Where and When Are Each Type Most Likely to Be Seen?+
Eastern Cottontails are active at dawn and dusk in brushy fields and suburban edges. Mountain Cottontails prefer sagebrush and open conifer forests above 5,000 feet. Black-tailed Jackrabbits are often seen during the day on shortgrass prairies. White-tailed Jackrabbits use alpine meadows in summer and move lower in winter. See ourRabbits typesfor the next step.
4. What Key Features Help Identify Each Rabbit in the Field?+
Focus on tail color: Eastern Cottontail has a bright white cottony tail; Mountain Cottontail has a brownish tail. Jackrabbits have a black stripe on the tail (Black-tailed) or all white tail (White-tailed). Also note ear tips: Black-tailed Jackrabbits have black ear tips. Cottontails have smaller, rounded ears. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What Does the Eastern Cottontail Look Like?+
Medium-sized (14-17 inches), reddish-brown upperparts, white belly, and a brilliant white tail. Ears are short and rounded with no black tips. It darts into dense cover when threatened. Look for them in riparian areas and overgrown fields. For more on similar species, check the rabbit hub at /animals/rabbit.
Keep exploring
More places to see rabbit
More wildlife in Montana